Volunteering

A YouGov survey in February 2007 found that British people want to act on local issues such as crime and anti-social behaviour. But 70% are not involved with their communities. More than a third of people believe they have a responsibility to address issues in their area, yet they feel powerless to make a difference. Churches are proof that when people get together, they really can take action for local change and make a positive difference. 

Churches are part of the glue that holds people and communities together. They supply more volunteers than all other organisations put together.  Church volunteers provide a social support network not just for church members but for the community as a whole.

In many rural communities individuals carry out several roles; for example, a member of the parish council or a school governor as well as being a member of the church congregation.

A member of the local church may also be a member of the women’s institute, serve on the village hall committee, run a senior citizens’ club, host coffee mornings, help out at parent and toddler groups,  deliver meals on wheels, be a volunteer driver, and care for neighbours and friends.

In urban as well as rural areas, volunteers reach isolated people in their need. Church members typically take part in community self-help schemes. They do small jobs around the home, collect prescriptions and take elderly people to hospital.

The estimated annual value of the voluntary work undertaken by Cof E volunteers in the Diocese of Chelmsford is £5m. This figure is limited to time put into church-run projects, church volunteering with community organisations and church neighbourhood-based volunteering in Essex and East London. It excludes people employed, money spent, activities supported and hosted, projects run and supported or use of buildings. 

Links

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk
Do It! www.do-it.org.uk
Mentoring & Befriending Foundation www.mandbf.org.uk
Volunteer work in youth justice www.yjb.gov.uk (click on ‘Get Involved’)
Create a pledge in your local area www.pledgebank.com
Building safe, vibrant and sustainable communities www.groundwork.org.uk

Volunteer to help a church

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